Biodiversity of the Himalaya: Volume 1: Utilization, Conservation, and Management of Plant Resources
About this ebook
Volume 1 focuses on the flora of the area, exploring the diversity, distribution, utilization, threat status, and conservation of medicinal, edible, and other economic plant resources of the region. The chapters consider the impact of traditional as well as scientific knowledge on the conservation of floral wealth in the region and recognize the importance of maintaining and preserving the plant diversity. The chapters cover diverse topics, including the traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological activity, and phytochemistry of selected plants and mushrooms. The book also proposes several biotechnological interventions and propagation strategies for some endangered plants. The threats posed by non-native invasive plants to the region’s diverse biodiversity are examined as well, as is the very real and destructive impact of climate change. Conservation and management strategies for endangered plants of the Himalaya are also covered.
About the author
Rajesh Kumar, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Biosciences at Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, India. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and research, he has been teaching animal physiology and applied zoology and supervising students for their research work. His own research activities also include environmental toxicology, waste management, and the impact of environmental degradation on animal physiology. He is an expert lecturer at beekeeping training/extension activities. Dr. Kumar has successfully completed two major research projects and two startup projects sponsored by government agencies and has published research articles, book chapters, abstracts, and conference papers as well as several books and monographs. He has successfully organized seminars and conferences and delivered invited talks and extension lectures.
Suresh Kumar, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bio-Sciences, H.P. University, Shimla, India. He has more than 12 years of experience in teaching and research. His thrust areas include floristics, ethnobotany, and biodiversity. Dr. Kumar has published 10 books and more than 20 research papers in journals of national and international repute. Presently, he is guiding several students for their PhD degrees. He has participated in many conferences and seminars and has delivered invited talks as a resource person at various institutions. He is a member of the Indian Science Congress and many other scientific agencies. He is an associate editor as well as a reviewer for various journals in the field of botany.
